Expanded Public Works Programme could play an important role in upgrading informal settlements
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Youth take to their bikes to protest against mining companies
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Motsoaledi welcomes 18-year sentence of Pakistani national linked to passport-related crimes
Motsoaledi welcomes 18-year sentence of Pakistani national linked to passport-related crimes
The Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has welcomed the sentencing of a Pakistani national, Arfan Ahmed, who was convicted of corruption and bribing Home Affairs officials at the Krugersdorp Home Affairs office for R45 000.
According to the department, Ahmed was apprehended in a sting operation involving the Counter Corruption Branch of Home Affairs, the Hawks, and the Police Crime Intelligence at the Home Affairs office in Krugersdorp in March 2022.
“In the aftermath of his arrest, his home was searched, where multiple passports which were not supposed to be there were found. For this offence, he is serving eight years. As the kingpin of the passport photo swap, the Krugersdorp Regional Court recently sentenced him to another 10 years imprisonment.
“He is, therefore, serving 18 years for his involvement in the overall passport syndicate activities,” the statement read.
The department stated that the passport syndicate aims to undermine the country’s laws by fraudulently obtaining South African passports for Pakistani nationals, who did not have a legal right to possess these documents.
Ahmed is said to have been working with some corrupt officials of Home Affairs in a network that spanned Gauteng, Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Western Cape and Mpumalanga provinces.
Meanwhile, Home Affairs said they have already fired the 12 officials who enabled his scheme after the conclusion of their disciplinary processes.
Motsoaledi said he welcomed the development and was impressed that the courts are sending a strong message that crime does not pay.
“We’ve been waiting patiently for the sentencing of this kingpin for his role in the Krugersdorp passport syndicate. This is an illustration that in our unflinching commitment to uproot fraud, corruption and all sorts of crimes bedevilling our country, we make sure that kingpins and their 'lieutenants' face the full might of the law.
“Passport fraud is not a victimless crime. Every single South African is a victim because we are now forced to apply for visas when we visit countries such as the United Kingdom. This was not the case before syndicates like these denigrated our passports. We will, therefore, have no mercy to anybody whatsoever, Home Affairs official or outsider, who gets involved in these dastardly acts. We are doing so to protect the interests of all South Africans,” the Minister said.
He has since urged all citizens to immediately report such acts of crime to the nearest police station or report them to Home Affairs officials and to refrain from such criminal acts of selling identity.
People who want to report Home Affairs-related crimes can call the national anti-corruption hotline on the toll-free number 0800 701 701 or send an email to report.corruption@dha.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 06/18/2024 - 09:20
1118 views
Clear skies expected on Inauguration Day
Clear skies expected on Inauguration Day
It will be clear, blue skies in South Africa’s capital city on Wednesday when President-elect Cyril Ramaphosa takes his oath of office and is inaugurated as South Africa’s President.
The inauguration is expected to be held at the Union Buildings in Tshwane.
On Tuesday, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) website indicated that Inauguration Day weather in Tshwane is expected to be clear with temperatures starting at 8°C, reaching a high of at least 24°C.
The weather will be as follows for South Africa’s other major cities:
- Johannesburg: minimum temperature 7°C, maximum temperature 21°C
- Cape Town: minimum 12°C, maximum 18°C
- Durban: minimum 15°C, maximum 23°C
- Bloemfontein: minimum 1°C, maximum 19°C
- Polokwane: minimum 6°C, maximum 26°C
- Upington: minimum 3°C, maximum 21°C
- Gqeberha: minimum 11°C, maximum 19°C
- East London: minimum 14°C, maximum 20°C
In a post on social media site X, SAWS said the rain probability of between 30 to 60% is expected over parts of the Western and Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
The cultural segment of the inauguration ceremony is expected to kick off at around 9am with the formal ceremony set to start at 11am.
READ | All set for President Ramaphosa's inauguration on Wednesday
Read more about the inauguration here: https://inauguration2024.dcdt.gov.za/
– SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 06/18/2024 - 13:42
473 views
Shelters in Cape Town are filling up as winter bites
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Job Management Software in South Africa
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Government set to engage citizens on service delivery
Government set to engage citizens on service delivery
As government continues to celebrate 30 Years of Freedom and Democracy, citizens will be provided with an opportunity to engage government on service delivery through various activations that will be held throughout the country.
As a symbol of the country’s democratic journey, a bus will be used in the coming months by different departments to hold community engagements objectively aimed at fostering dialogue and increase citizen participation in shaping government’s service delivery programmes.
Addressing the occasion for the handover of the freedom and democracy bus, Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga explained that the term "bus" is short for omnibus, which means “for everyone."
“It often symbolises taking a journey. So it fits well with the idea that we should all embark on a journey to commemorate the arrival of democracy and freedom. This bus will travel the length and breadth of our country until April next year, spreading the message of what the government has delivered to bring a better life to the people of South Africa over the past 30 years,” Chikunga said in Centurion on Monday.
The Minister handed over the freedom and democracy bus to Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.
“The bus will be managed by Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) but available to all government departments for various campaigns. As you will see when you board the bus, it is fully kitted out to ensure that public servants continue their work while travelling on the long road.
“We urge all government departments to take ownership of the bus, as we will also do as the Department of Transport. The first assignment will be this weekend when it will be used as part of the Youth Month activities.
“As a country, we have emerged unified from the recent elections and we continue to put people first as we celebrate 30 years of democracy and freedom. From the dawn of democracy in 1994, to date we stand more committed to bring a better life to all citizens of this glorious nation,” Chikunga said.
The 27th of April 2024 marked 30 years since the advent of democracy in South Africa. This day marked a historic milestone in South Africa, as all adults were allowed to cast their votes, for the first time, a free and fair democratic election.
As part of commemorations for the “30 Years of Freedom” campaign, government will reflect on the nation’s history, celebrate its accomplishments, and inspire citizens to continue contributing to its progress. – SAnews.gov.za
Matona
Tue, 06/18/2024 - 14:17
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Heads of state, government and royalty to attend inauguration
Heads of state, government and royalty to attend inauguration
Dignitaries from across the world – including current and former Heads of State and Governments – are expected to attend the inauguration ceremony of President-elect Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday.
This according to a statement released by the Presidency on Tuesday.
“The ceremony will be witnessed by South African and international guests, including South African royalty, Members of Parliament, representatives of political parties, leaders of organised labour, business and civil society organisations, religious leaders and South Africans who have excelled in various capacities and endeavours.
“Attendees will include representatives of regional, continental and international organisations and bodies such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN),” the statement read.
The Presidency said at least 18 Heads of State and Government, three former Heads of State and Government and nine Heads of Delegation are expected to attend.
Additional confirmations are being received.
“Countries that will be represented at a high level at the inauguration include the Kingdom of eSwatini and Kingdom of Lesotho, the Republics of Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Angola and Tanzania; the Republic of Uganda, the People’s Republic of China, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the State of Palestine and the Republic of Cuba,” the Presidency said.
The President-elect held a walkabout at the venue on Tuesday afternoon to assess the state of readiness.
Members of the public are encouraged to use the park and ride at Tshwane Showgrounds. People can park their cars and take a free bus to the Union Buildings.
The programme for the day will commence with a cultural programme for members of the public on the South Lawns of the Union Buildings at 9am.
Formal proceedings will get underway at 11am.
For more information go to https://inauguration2024.dcdt.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 06/18/2024 - 14:24
991 views
Blitzboks hope to make it count in Monaco
The Springbok Sevens squad are keen to make their third opportunity to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics count and join their regular foes at the Rugby Sevens event in Paris. France, New Zealand, Argentina, Fiji, Australia, Ireland, USA, and Samoa all confirmed their spots for Paris, and having beaten all of them during the HSBC SVNS season, the South Africans would want to join them at the Olympic showpiece.
According to experienced forward, Impi Visser, the team understands that this will be it for them should they fail to win the World Rugby Sevens Repechage in Monaco on Sunday.
“We really did ourselves no favours this time around,” said Visser in explaining their mission.
“First, we finished outside the top four in the Series and then we lost to Kenya to qualify through the continental route. That was not great at all, but luckily for us, we have one more opportunity and this time we must make it work,” according to Visser.
The Blitzboks arrived in Monaco on Monday and on Tuesday had a good training run at Stade Laurentin Rugby in the city of St Laurent du Var near Nice, which is 40 minutes outside Monte Carlo.
Visser emphasized that their Olympic dream is still burning brightly: “Some of us were in Tokyo last time around, but we did not get a podium finish, so in a way there will be unfinished business for us. However, the reality is that we need to get the job done here first, before thinking about anything else.”
Visser also represented South Africa at the Rugby World Cup Sevens and the Commonwealth Games and said playing for his country remains an unbelievable honour, and highlight.
“That will remain a privilege, and to be able to run out this weekend will be another huge moment for us, especially with what is at stake for us. We are determined and dare not disappoint the country,” reckons Visser.
Visser has seen plenty of knock-out tournament action before, but for Tristan Leyds, a 2024 HSBC SVNS debutant with the Blitzboks, this is an all-new experience.
“Talking about the Olympics is exciting, and one can get carried away about what is to come, but that is of no use if we don't do the business this weekend,” said the lanky flyhalf.
“All that matter is this weekend's performance, and we don't look past that."
According to Leyds he enjoyed his debut season with the Blitzboks.
“Let's hope there is more to come,” he said about his debut season.
“People are getting to know how I play, and it is becoming tougher to be as effective on attack, for example, but that is what it is all about. You need to improve and grow as a player and be at your very best for the big occasion. And this weekend is such an occasion,” according to Leyds.
Issued by SA Rugby Communications
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Rugby.
Note to editors:
Audio notes of Tristan Leyds can be downloaded here (https://apo-opa.co/4ctjN3l).
For further information, please contact lease contact:
Andy Colquhoun
GM: Communications and Commercial
+27 (0) 21 928 7010
+27 (0) 82 926 0789
andyc@sarugby.co.za
De Jongh Borchardt
Communications Manager
+27 (0) 21 928 7021
+27 (0) 82 999 9979
dejonghb@sarugby.co.za
Rayaan Adriaanse
Junior Rugby Media Manager
+27 (0) 21 928 7013
+27 (0) 82 999 0022
rayaan@sarugby.co.za
Sindiswa Ximba
Media Operations Coordinator
+27 (0) 21 928 7011
+27 (0) 60 504 1069
sindiswa.ximba@sarugby.co.za
Zeena Isaacs
Springbok Media Manager
+27 (0) 21 928 7020
+27 (0) 82 357 3112
ZeenaI@sarugby.co.za
JJ Harmse
Sevens and Women's Rugby Media Manager
+27 (0) 21 928 7014
+27 (0) 71 480 4570
jjharmse@sarugby.co.za
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Inauguration Day not a public holiday, says Presidency
Inauguration Day not a public holiday, says Presidency
The Presidency has reminded members of the public that Wednesday, 19 June - the day of the Presidential Inauguration - is a normal working day.
This as the Inauguration of President-Elect Cyril Ramaphosa will take place at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, following his re-election by Parliament on Friday, 14 June 2024.
READ | President-elect reiterates commitment to uplifting South Africa
People travelling to the event and to Pretoria on other business are advised to visit www.gov.za and www.tshwane.gov.za for information on road closures in the Rietondale/Arcadia area, and to follow traffic updates on radio and television broadcasts.
For a detailed report on road closures and free park-and-ride services, please read: Road closures for Presidential inauguration | Free park and ride for the Presidential inauguration.
The swearing in of the President-Elect will be conducted by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo in the Union Buildings’ Nelson Mandela Amphitheatre.
The ceremony will be witnessed by South African and international guests, including South African royalty, Members of Parliament, representatives of political parties, leaders of organised labour, business and civil society organisations, religious leaders and South Africans who have excelled in various capacities and endeavours.
Attendees will include representatives of regional, continental and international organisations and bodies such as the Southern African Development Community, the African Union (AU) and the United Nations. – SAnews.gov.za
Matona
Tue, 06/18/2024 - 14:36
750 views
Nohamba crowned Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) Player of the Season
Emirates Lions utility back Sanele Nohamba was rewarded for his great form of the past eight months when he was named the Vodacom United Rugby Championship Player of the Season for his stellar performances at scrumhalf and flyhalf for the team from Johannesburg.
The 25-year-old Nohamba follows in the footsteps of DHL Stormers duo Evan Roos and Manie Libbok, who won this award in the first two seasons of URC. The other 2024 nominees were the Vodacom Bulls' duo of Cameron Hanekom (loose forward) and Kurt-Lee Arendse (wing).
The Gauteng-based trio garnered the most votes in the nomination process, with Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus, the four South African franchises and local media selecting their star players of the season.
Nohamba – who has progressed through SA Rugby's Elite Player Development pipeline and honed his skills for the SA Schools and Junior Springbok sides – played scrumhalf and flyhalf for the Emirates Lions, starting 17 of their 18 games in 2023/24. He scored two tries, and added 32 conversions, 14 penalty goals and a drop goal for a personal tally of 119 points during the season, which placed him fourth overall after the league phase of the competition.
Mr. Mark Alexander, President of SA Rugby, congratulated Nohamba on his exceptional season, which also earned him an invitation to the Springbok alignment camps.
“It's often said that there is no more space in our game for players who are smaller in stature, but Sanele disproved that assumption this season,” said Mr. Alexander.
“What he lacks in size, he makes up for in skill, heart, and temperament. This award is a testament to his remarkable attitude. Sanele adapted seamlessly from scrumhalf to flyhalf and excelled in the No. 10 jersey, catching the attention of Rassie Erasmus.
“The Lions came very close to making the playoffs for the first time, and Sanele was one of their standout players this season. He is a deserving recipient of the Vodacom URC Player of the Season award.”
Sitho Mdlalose, CEO of Vodacom South Africa, said: “We're delighted to recognise what has been a magnificent season for Sanele Nohamba. Sanele has been a true inspiration with his exciting play for the Emirates Lions, and he really embodies the ethos of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship with his fighting spirit and his selfless service to his team.
“Sanele has taken his talent and passion for the game all the way from his upbringing in Alice in the Eastern Cape right to the biggest stages in world rugby, and now even into challenging for Springbok selection.
“We're privileged to have played a part in providing the platform for his talent to shine and grow, and to be able to recognise the hard work he's put in to make this such a defining season for him.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Rugby.
For further information, please contact:
Andy Colquhoun
GM: Communications and Commercial
+27 (0) 21 928 7010
+27 (0) 82 926 0789
andyc@sarugby.co.za
De Jongh Borchardt
Communications Manager
+27 (0) 21 928 7021
+27 (0) 82 999 9979
dejonghb@sarugby.co.za
Rayaan Adriaanse
Junior Rugby Media Manager
+27 (0) 21 928 7013
+27 (0) 82 999 0022
rayaan@sarugby.co.za
Sindiswa Ximba
Media Operations Coordinator
+27 (0) 21 928 7011
+27 (0) 60 504 1069
sindiswa.ximba@sarugby.co.za
Zeena Isaacs
Springbok Media Manager
+27 (0) 21 928 7020
+27 (0) 82 357 3112
ZeenaI@sarugby.co.za
JJ Harmse
Sevens and Women's Rugby Media Manager
+27 (0) 21 928 7014
+27 (0) 71 480 4570
jjharmse@sarugby.co.za
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2024 Presidential Inauguration
The Inauguration of President-Elect Cyril Ramaphosa will take place at the Union Buildings, Pretoria, tomorrow following his re-election by Parliament on Friday, 14 June 2024.
The swearing-in of the President-Elect will be conducted by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo in the Union Buildings' Nelson Mandela Amphitheatre.
The ceremony will be witnessed by South African and international guests, including South African royalty, Members of Parliament, representatives of political parties, leaders of organised labour, business and civil society organisations, religious leaders and South Africans who have excelled in various capacities and endeavours.
Attendees will include representatives of regional, continental and international organisations and bodies such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN).
President-Elect Ramaphosa will also be honoured by the attendance of a number of Heads of State and Government and former Heads of State and Government from different regions of Africa as well as other world regions.
To date, 18 Heads of State and Government, three former Heads of State and Governmen,t and nine Heads of Delegation are expected to attend. Additional confirmations are being received.
Countries that will be represented at a high level at the Inauguration include the Kingdom of eSwatini and Kingdom of Lesotho; the Republics of Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Angola and Tanzania; the Republic of Uganda; the People's Republic of China; the Arab Republic of Egypt; the State of Palestine and the Republic of Cuba.
The theme for the occasion is “30 Years of Democracy, Partnership and Growth”.
The programme for the day will commence with a cultural programme for members of the public on the South Lawns of the Union Buildings at 09h00.
The cultural programme is a platform for local artists to showcase their talent and for us as a nation to share South Africa's cultural diversity with our guests.
This production will feature a combination of music genres and other cultural and artistic performances that will have a cross-over appeal that reflects our achievements in the past 30 years of our democracy.
During the formal proceedings from 11h00, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) will perform the ceremonial elements of the Inauguration as a demonstration of allegiance to the Republic and the Commander-In-Chief. The ceremonial elements will include:
- a 21-gun salute,
- A salute flight by the South African Air Force (SAAF),
- Inspection of a South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Battalion,
- A Battalion march past, and
- A massed fly past.
The newly sworn-in President of the Republic will deliver his Inaugural Address.
President-Elect Ramaphosa first became President of the Republic following the resignation of President Jacob Zuma in February 2018.
Following the 2019 National and Provincial Elections, President Ramaphosa was elected by the National Assembly as President of the Republic.
President Ramaphosa was re-elected by the National Assembly on 14 June 2024.
The Presidential Inauguration will be broadcast and streamed on a broad range of platforms nationally and internationally and The Presidency invites South Africans to follow this event.
Members of the public are advised to note that tomorrow, Wednesday, 19 June 2024, is a normal working day.
People travelling to the event and to Pretoria on other business are advised to visit www.gov.za and www.tshwane.gov.za for information on road closures in the Rietondale/Arcadia area, and to follow traffic updates on radio and television broadcasts.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
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